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Kwara Journalist Remanded Over Facebook Post Criticising Water Resources Commissioner
The court, sitting in Ilorin on Wednesday, directed that Muhammed be kept in prison custody pending the hearing of his bail application
Ilorin, Kwara State- An Ilorin Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Tauheed Baruwa Muhammed, a journalist and publisher of NUPEKOTV-Lafiagi, following a social media post alleging financial misconduct and lack of accountability by the Kwara State Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Yunusa Lade.
The court, sitting in Ilorin on Wednesday, directed that Muhammed be kept in prison custody pending the hearing of his bail application.
The journalist was arraigned after Commissioner Lade filed a criminal complaint, claiming the Facebook post was defamatory and designed to damage his reputation.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, the magistrate instructed the defendant’s counsel, Lere Abdul, to file a formal written application for bail and adjourned the matter until October 20, 2025, for hearing.
According to court documents, the complaint accuses Muhammed of publishing and circulating a report titled “Hon Usman Lade, Kwara Comm. for Water Resources Under Fire for Mismanagement and Neglect” on July 28, 2024.
Lade’s counsel alleged that the publication falsely accused the commissioner of embezzlement, mismanagement, and incompetence in office.
The commissioner described the post as “malicious and baseless,” claiming it was aimed at tarnishing his image and misleading the public.
The suit also states that Muhammed’s Facebook page, with more than 27,000 followers, amplified the story across other social media platforms and WhatsApp groups, causing “maximum reputational damage.”
Meanwhile, residents of Lade community in Patigi Local Government Area — the commissioner’s hometown — have accused the Kwara State Government of using law enforcement agencies and the courts to intimidate journalists and activists who demand accountability.
They also called for the removal of Commissioner Usman Lade, alleging that his lawsuit against the journalist was an attempt to cover up questionable spending on the Lafiagi waterworks project.
The development comes amid growing security concerns in Lade and surrounding areas, where residents say incessant attacks and kidnappings have forced many to flee their homes.
